Vehicle-wheel.



' `0`. A.,PARKER.

VEHICLE WHEEL. APPLICATIOLN FILED MAY 5| 1916.

1,188,353). Patented Julie 20, 1916.

' y 2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

Y'a' fz 31a/verlief,

Paf/fa I awo: ne 14.3

O.A.PAHKER[ VEHICLE WHEEL.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 5,1916.

1,188,853-, l Patented Jun@ 20,1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2- Offe/ Pa/ier @2,13 fw, Maw

UNTTED STATES PATENT 'orrrcn 1 ORREL A. PARKER, OF CLEVELAND, I-IIO.

VEHICLE-WHEEL.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, ORREL A. PARKER, a citizen of the United States,residing at Cleveland,'in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, haveinvented a new and useful Improvement in Vehicle-Wheels, of whichthefollowing is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in the spider parts of vehiclewheels which, respectively, are composed of demountable rims and,spiders consisting of hubs and spokes, the'spokes being separate fromeach other and having their outer ends free.

The object is to so construct the spider that the demountable rim can besecured upon the free ends of the spokes by devices which will clamp orgrip it with an exertion of pressure on axial lines only and by otherdevices which will exert pressure on radial lines only, the two sets ofpressure-exerting devices being independent, and acting indei pendently,of each other.

lis a section onthe elusive,

Figure 1 is a face view' of a wheel embodying my improvements; Fig. 2 isa section on the line P, P of the two main spider elements used inconstructing the wheel, showing the halves separated. Fig. 3 is avertical section on the line -Jx of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a section on theline y-y of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 lis a horizontal section on the line 2 2 ofFigs. 1 or 3. Fig. 6 is a horizontal section on the line arf-w of Fig.3; Fig. 7 line y-y of Fig. 4'; Fig. 8'is a face view of the spider.Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate modifications of details.

I will rst describe, somewhat in detail, the constructionshownin Figs. 1to 8, in-

in order that a full understanding of the invention'may be had, but wishto be' understood that I do not limit'myself in respect to the specicdetails of construction or relationship so/long as the essentialfeaytures of the invention are retained.

The wheel shown is composed oftwo main spider elements A andB in Fig. 2.These are cut from sheet metal and, by suitable swaging or stampingaction, are brought to the shape shown in Fig. 2. These'two halfelements are then properly disposed relatively and are secured togetherby any suit! able process, as by welding in one way or another. Whentheyare secured together, they provide a hub element at 1 and a series ofspokes 2, 2a, the terminal parts of which, respectively, are indicatedat' 3, 3a.

A cross section of one of the spokes 2 in.

Specication of Letters Patent.

of one of the spokes 2a is'illustrated in Fig. 7. l The spokes 2 and 2aare tubular and approximately circular in cross section, asin Fig. 5.The truly tubular conformation of each tube 2 does not extend to theouter end.

Patented June 20, 1916.

Appli-cation led May 5, 1916. Serial N'o. 95,583.

As shown in Fig. 3, the front part extends to the end as a -part of-atube see 8). The rear half at the end is curved outward land upward, asshown at 9. Preferably, that part of the upper'edge of the end whichlies in front of the part 9 is squared, as at 9b, with the top edge ofthe front part 8,

that is, the upper edge part 9b, be it longer,

or shorter, lies in an axial plane, a plane truly parallel to the axis.The rear backwardly turned distance somewhat above the plane of the edge9b to provide an abutment.

In the upper open end of the tubular spoke 2 there is mounted a cup orre-inforcement indicated, as a whole, by 11. This cup closes the end ofthe spoke, acts as a reinforcement, and serves to hold the nut 19. Thiscup or reinforcement 11 conforms to the shape of the inside of the spokeend and is firmly secured thereto by some such process aswelding orriveting.

Through the front part 8 of the spoke 2 and the front of the cup 11 areregistering apertures 10 and 16. Through the passage thus provided, ahorizontal bolt 15, having a head 18, engages with a nut 19 in the cupchamber in the spoke end.

part'9 projects radially to a.,

20 indicates an adjustable pressure device and lock having an end 21with an abutment to bear against the spoke wall 8, a longer labutmentlug 22 at the upper end,

and a slot 23, through which the bolt 15 i The tire 24a has a metallicrim 2li. t is lformed with a band or annulus 25 at the center, and atthe edges with suitable anges for holding the tire, proper. part 25 mayvextend continuously and without break around the entire wheel, or itmay be trans-split and provided with any of the ordinary joining devicesfor the ends.

At intervals around the rim,v blocks, or

Thel central short plates, 26, are applied to serve as spacers,radially, and to act conjointly with other parts in holding the rim inplace.

As shown in Figs. l to 8, there is one of these blocks on the rim foreach of the spokes 2, 2a. Each block alines axially with the upwardlyprojecting extension of the parts 9, 9a, and the bearing lug 22 of theclamping devices 20, 20, can also be alined with the block at eachclamping spoke.

The .construction at the outer ends of each of the spokes 2a and theparts used at that point, are shown in Fig. 4. The front 8a of thetubular spoke is radially somewhat shorter than that in thecorresponding part in the spokes 2. The part 9'r1 provides a stop flange9c, somewhat crescent shaped as shown at 9c, Fig. 7. Tn this instancethe upper end of the spoke 2a is provided with a plug-like device 11,tightly fitted and se- 'J cured between the front and rear parts 8a,

9a. A large strong bolt 2'7 is threaded into a threaded aperture in thisplug. The bolt -27 terminates in a widely expanded head 2S, which litsagainst the inner face of the rim, or against one of the blocks 26fitted thereto.

When the parts are constructed asy in Figs. 1 to 8 and as abovedescribed, the following steps are taken to mount a rim on a spider: Thepushing clips or` clamps 20 are all loosened and moved radially inwardto lie within the circle of the blocks 26. And the radial screws 27 areturned until the under sides of their heads contact with the spoke ends.The rim, with its tire, is then put into position to properly registerwith the ends ofthe spokes and moved axially far enough `to be seated onlthe spokes. Then the clips or clamps 20 are slipped outward, radially,far enough to bring their abutment ends 22 into alinement with thoseblocks 2G which register, peripherally, with the spokes 2. Then the bolt15 is turned in the nut 19 until the blocks 26 are forcedon axial linesto the stops at 9b the spokes having suliicient rigidity to permitconsiderable force being used in bringing the rim to the fixed stopwithout any of the spokes being distorted. And when the clips or clampsand bolts of the-entire series have been thus brought to final position,the tire rim is firmly bound, axially, in place. Outward. radialpressure upon the rim to cause peripheral tension on the rim is theneffected by applying a tool to the heads 28 of the bolts 27. This radialpressure can be applied to an optional extent to tension the rim and.compress the central structure, regardless of variations in theinternal circumferences of the rim, due to imperfections of manufactureor other causes.

It is to be noted that the abutting surfaces at the inner edge of theblocks 2G and the labutting surfaces at the outer edges of "the blocks,and the inner edges of each lug 20 are at right angl/es to the lines onwhich the inward pushing and theclamping forces are exerted by the bolts15 and clips 20. This is in contradistinction from the shapes of thecontacting parts and the method of forcing them together, which areuniversally adopted in securing demountable rims in place; virtually,the universal practice being to have one or both of the contactingsurfaces inclined both to the axis and to the radius of the wheel 'forthe purpose of exerting forces in two directions by a single device.This device is sometimes a mating pair-,of inclined surfaces on twoVinterengag- `otherI by the spokes, these inclined surfaces being onwedges, bolt tops, or the like. Similarly, as will be seen on examiningFig. 4, the contacting surfaces of-the parts 26 and 28, by whichpressure is exerted radially, are formed on planes which are trulyparallel to the axis and tangential to the circumference of the spider,and, therefore, force can be exerted in radial directions only when thehead and the threaded elef ments at 27 are brought into play.

The disadvantages incident to transmitting to the rim a force on radiallines and force on axial lines, simultaneously, by a common device, arewell known. At many points in the circle of the rim, to get the bestresults, it may be necessary to subject the laxial clamping and radialtensioning, which l have described; but in the earlier structure therewas a wheel body, including elements extending from the end of one spoketo the ends of those adjacent of the nature of a felly. But I have foundit desirablefor many reasons to provide greater elasticity in theperipheral parts of the structure, especially where rim'clamping andtensioning devices of the sort herein shown are present. This elasticityis largely interfered with when use is made of thick and relativelyunyielding felly elements, together with a tightly bound felly band. 1nthe latter case the .tire and its rim are called upon to provide thegreater part of the yielding'and elasticity. I have found that when arim of the class of that here involved is to be demountably secured inplace, I can obtain better eifects from the wheel when in operation byhaving individual spokes sel lso the kind illustrated may appear' to bein true or proper position, they may, in reality,fbe twisted or turnedslightly on their own axis, or they may be imperceptibly bent`laterally, and by the use of the positioning clamps, the spoke ends arebrought to their actual true or proper position, or as nearly so aspossible; so that not only is the rim positioned in a true plane, butalso any errors in the individual spokes are corrected.

As indicated above, I have described, quite in detail, one form of wheelstructure embodying my improvements, but, as also noted, there can bevariations. i The spider part, to wit, the spokes and hub of the wheel,can be otherwise made. The spokes may be made of wood or metal. Theaxial pressure for forcing the rim holne, axially, to its predeterminedposition may be caused by devices of any of the now well-known sorts.The stops which positively limit this axial movement may be provided inany ofy numerous ways. The blocks 26, which serve as spacers, stops andpressure receivers, can be elongated or increased in number; they may beomitted entirely or a continuous band may be substituted, or the rimmetal, itself, can be so conformed as to serve all of these purposes;-The rim shown in Figs. 1 to 8 is of the clencher type, but it can bevaried as desired. But in any modified form, the essential features ofthe improvement will be retained if there are present (a) a spider-likesystem of parts, each with a hub and a series of spokes that have freeends, (b) a demountable rim, (c) devices which provide a positive stopagalnst axial movement of the rim at a predetermined position, (d)'devices for exerting pressure laterally upon the rim, or on a partcarried thereby, to bind it in place against the said stop devices, and(e) means bearing outwardly against the rim for exerting thereonpressure on radial lines only.

As showing that demountable rims, shaped for straight-side tires, aswell as rims for clencher tires, can be advantageously held in positionby devices embodying my invention, reference can be made to Figs. 9 and'10. Fig. 9 presents a radial sectionl 'through the terminal parts ofone of thel spokes of one of the sets of spokes on the wheel; and Fig.10 gives a radialsection of each of the spokes of another set.

In Fig. 9 the parts at 8,, 9, 11c and 15 are substantially the same asthose shown in Fig 3. But the spacing and butting blocks 26 are omittedand the square orradial faces at 22c and 27 b are utilized for stoppingthe on-moving rim and for receiving the axial force from the screw 15and from the clamp or pressure device 20c. The latter, in this case, hasa flange 22d, which lies in truly radial planes. Therefore, when forceis exerted by the bolt 15 and nut 19c no pressure is exerted to pressthe rim, radially, outward. All the force of the bolt transmitted.through the clip or lock piece 20c is transmitted to the rim on linesparallel to the wheel axis. The clip 2()c in this case is provided witha projection 30 on the spoke for holding it in place when it, the clamp,is in its uppermost position, and is subjected to only slight pressurefrom the bolt. 'On withdrawal of the'bolt, the lower end 21c of theclamping piece can move out slightly and escape this lug or stud 30 andslide radially inward. The bottom band element 25c is `so arranged that,it can rest upon shoulder edges at 9d at the outer ends of the spokeswhen radial tension is exerted.

Such tension is caused by devices shown in Fig. 1() with whichalternating or intervening spokes are provided. Normally, the band part25 at these spokes rests upon the shoulders 9d, which are radiallyinside of the projecting stops 9e. The radial pressure is exerted bybolts 27 of large diameter, having their heads contacting squarely withthe rim, similar to devices at 27 and 28 in Fig. 4.

Instead of having the axial clamping devices supported on the spokes Iof one set,

and the radially acting'pressure devices sepy arately supported on otherspokes, any one of the spokes can, at itsl outer end, be so constructedor provided with such devices that both the lateral binding or clampingand the exerting of radial pressure can be accomplished at one place.

Three spokes may have late-ral clamps and six spokes may have vradialpressure devices in a nine-spoke wheel, or any other combination oflateral and radial pressure devces found needful or convenient may beuse v I do not herein claim any of the subjectsmatter described in theclaims in my application, Serial No. 88,262, filed on or about April 1,1916. I therein show a wheel structure having a hub, spokes, a circularconnector device at the outer extremities of the spokes for binding themtogether, this being of the nature of an ordinary felly, and ademountable rim held by devices which are carried by this circularconnector or felly. In the present application I have shown a centralwheel structure which omits this connecting element. The Aclaims hereinare limited to this last described specifi form.

What I claim is:

1. The combination with a hub and a series of spokes, of a demountabletire-carrying rim arranged thereon, means for exerting against said rimlateral pressure only, and means independent of the aforesaid forexerting against the rim radial pressure only to an optional extent andeffecting the compresslon of the wheel system independently of the saidmeans for exerting the lateral pressure on the rim.

2. The combination "with a demountable tire-carrying rim, of a hub andspokes, said rim being adapted to fit upon said spoke ends, means forexerting lateral pressure upon said rim, and means independent of theaforesaid for exerting radial pressure upon said rim and at pointsremoved Jfrom the said application of lateral pressure.

3. The combination with a demountable tire-carrying rim, of a hub andspokes, said rim being adapted to fit upon said spoke ends, laterallyoperative means for positioning and clamping said rim upon said spokeends, and radially operative means adapted .to tension said rim to auoptional extent and effecting the compression of the Wheel systemindependently of the said means for exerting the lateral pressure on the4. The combination With a demountable tire-carrying rim, of a spidercomprising a hub and spokes, the ends of said spokcsbeing shaped toreceive and provide a positive stop for said rim, means acting upon saidrim for exerting lateral pressure only, and means independentV of theaforesaid for exerting radial pressure only upon said rim to an optionalextentand eEecting the coml pression of the Wheel systemD independentlysame upon the messes of the said means for exerting' the lateral ends ofsaid spokes being shaped to receive the said rim thereon, lateral clampscarried by some of said spokes adapted to exert lateral pressure uponsaid rim, and radial tensioning means carried by other spokes andadapted to engage laid rim and tension the o es.

6. The combination with a demountable tire-carrying rim having inwardlyprojecting portions at predetermined points, of a spider comprising ahub and spokes, the ends of said spokes being shaped to receive said rimandprovide a positive stop there for, lateral clamps adapted to engagesaid rim and clamp the same to said spider, and radially operative meansadapted -to tension said rim to an optional extent `and eii'ect thecompression of the Wheel system independently of the said means forclamping said In testimony whereof, li ai'lx my signature, in presenceof two Witnesses.

ORREL A. PARKER.

. Witnesses:

HENRY H. BLISS, Jr., I COURTLAND E. CERISTIANI.

